By: Doctor J

Doctor J — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 17:17:57 +0000

Not a peep from MDUSD Board members about commenting on the STAR results, even after Theresa’s stellar analysis. What is the plan for improvement ?

By: Realia

Realia — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 15:03:32 +0000

It’s no secret that STAR tests are no-stakes tests for students. In other words, the test has no bearing on their grades or ability to progress to the next grade level. The tests are optional. Savvy parents opt their kids out of the testing. Aware students know the test doesn’t mean anything to them so they draw patterns on the Scantron test form. What the schools are left with is a skewed snapshot of student performance. Based on these worthless test scores, districts shuffle administrators around, close schools, and, if SB 1285 passes, can use the data to lay off teachers. My 11th and 12th grade students do not forget to know how to read when they reach my classroom; they never learned – one must ask how such students are allowed to progress despite lacking basic skills. When the education system is evaluated by test results, the test should mean something to the students. I’d like to see CA Exit Exam results used to evaluate high schools, and something with similar consequences used to evaluate elementary and middle schools. Until then, we are stuck with worthless test results that have consequences only for adults (except the adults most responsible – “parents”).

By: Doctor J

Doctor J — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 04:50:24 +0000

Lawrence can put lipstick on it, but its still ugly. The API scores on August 31 will tell more of the story. But it looks like MDUSD will add a few more to it record six schools on the “persistently underachieving list”.

Comments on: A closer look at STAR scores in lowest-performing schools

By: Doctor J

By: Realia

By: Doctor J